Clint Dempsey struck two minutes into injury time for Tottenham to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at White Hart Lane.

Robin van Persie had put the league leaders on course for a vital win when he scored his sixth goal against Spurs, but after a sustained period of pressure, Dempsey delivered Andre Villas-Boas' men a thrilling equalizer with less than 60 seconds of the match remaining.

"Before (this season) I'd never scored against them, so it's good to help the team get results," said Dempsey, who sent Tottenham to its first win at United in 23 years in September. "We've got a win and a draw now (against United)."

The American, who had missed a gilt-edged chance earlier in the second half, got on the end of Aaron Lennon's pull-back and slotted home after David De Gea had gone walkabout.

The draw means United are now just five points ahead of Manchester City after Roberto Mancini's men after their win over Fulham on Saturday.

United barely had a touch in the first 10 minutes, but De Gea remained untested. Scott Parker raided the United midfield to win the ball and drive at goal, but he could only curl over the bar.